The Phota Fraternity and Sorority Newsletter The Phota (the Greek word for lights) is a publication of the Valparaiso University Panhellenic and Interfraternity Councils January 2014

Over 200 New Members Join Fraternities and Sororities at Valpo in January 2014

The Valparaiso University fraternity and sorority community is excited to welcome more than 200 new members to the community in January 2014. Both the Panhellenic and Interfraternity Councils had record years regarding participation in member recruitment activities.

The results of the January 2014 formal recruitment periods for both fraternities and sororities are as follows:

Chi Omega – 20 Gamma Phi Beta – 17 Kappa Delta – 18 Kappa Kappa Gamma – 24 Calendar of Events Pi Beta Phi – 20

 Jan. 30: Order of Omega Meeting at 8 pm at 807 Mound Street Lambda Chi Alpha – 11  Feb. 1: 2nd Annual Dance Marathon from 2-10 pm at Hilltop Gym Phi Delta Theta – 16  Feb 3: Officer Roundtables at 9 pm Phi Kappa Psi – 13 o Philanthropy/Service Chairs – Ballroom B Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia – 9 o Public Relations Chairs – Heritage Room Phi Sigma Kappa – 7 o Alumnae Relations Chairs – Victory Bell Room Sigma Chi – 14  Feb 7: Phi Kappa Psi Chili Cook-Off at 5 pm at 801 Mound Street Sigma Phi Epsilon – 28 Sigma Pi - 4

www.Valpo.edu/greek Vol. 2 Issue 1 Fraternities & Sororities Light Up Christmas

On December 5, 2013, Valparaiso University celebrated the beginning of the Christmas season with an evening of festivities including the first Jingle Jog, the annual tree lighting ceremony, and a fireworks display. Members of Kappa Delta sorority and Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity were asked to sing carols at the ceremony where President Heckler officially lit the University tree. Senior member Emily Rose stated that the University had approached the chapter about starting a new tradition which would invite members of the Lambda Chi Alpha members before the Fraternity & Sorority community to sing carols at the 2013 Valparaiso University Jingle Jog ceremony each year. The men of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia led the community in caroling in 2012.

Approximately twenty women from Kappa Delta were joined by a handful of men from Phi Sigma Kappa to sing songs such as “Joy to the World” and “Silent Night.” Both groups were recorded and highlighted in an article in the Post-Tribune the following day.

Other traditions surrounding the holiday season included Sigma Phi Epsilon’s annual “SigEp Christmas” event, which provided more than 30 children from Hilltop House with Christmas presents. This annual tradition included a visit from Santa and some fun Christmas activities with the Hilltop House children. Sharing the Good News Also, the University concert, prominently featured at Two members of the Valparaiso University fraternity and Symphony Center in Chicago, included many fraternity sorority community were recently awarded scholarships men and sorority women with roles in the orchestra, from the National Order of Omega. Joshua Bieck from band, and choirs. Lambda Chi Alpha and Lindsey Dever of Delta Delta Delta both received scholarships this year.

Annually, Order of Omega gifts over $70,000 to undergraduate and graduate Order of Omega members with awards ranging from $1,000 to $300. The scholarship program was established in 1985, followed shortly thereafter by the fellowship program in 1988. To date, the organization has assisted 2,295 individuals in their educational endeavors.

Members of Sigma Phi Epsilon with the kids from Hilltop House at the 2013 SigEp Christmas event

Have a story to share in the next issue of The Phota? Contact Lauren Skiniotes or Kyle Crawford, Panhellenic and IFC Vice Presidents of Public Relations [email protected] or [email protected]

Valpo Greek Life www.Valpo.edu/greek Vol. 2 Issue 1